In a decisive move aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures and repositioning the Nigerian Army for heightened operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of senior officers to key command, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions.
Among the newly appointed senior officers:
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Major General Bamidele Alabi has been redeployed to Army Headquarters, Department of Policy & Plans, and appointed Chief of Policy & Plans (Army).
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Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services & Programmes at Army Headquarters, now proceeds to Defence Headquarters, Department of Operations, as Chief of Defence Operations.
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Major General Peter Mala moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to Headquarters Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Commander.
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Major General Samson Jiya is appointed Chief of Defence Accounts & Budget.
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Major General Mayirenso Saraso becomes Chief of Operations (Army).
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Major General Isa Abdullahi assumes the role of Chief of Administration (Army).
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Major General Musa Etsu‑Ndagi is appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army).
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Several other senior officers, including corps commanders and training institution leaders, also received strategic postings.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront contemporary and emerging security challenges. He urged them to sustain current operational momentum, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and uphold the Nigerian Army’s core ethos of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence.
DefenceTimesNG.africa View
This sweeping leadership realignment signals the Army’s recognition that evolving security threats from insurgency, to hybrid warfare, to cyber and asymmetric operations require fresh leadership at key staff and operational nodes. By repositioning troops with training, doctrine, finance, civil-military integration and command portfolios, the Army is better positioned to synchronise its strategic posture, improve readiness and deepen institutional resilience.
